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For many Hollywood actors and actresses, it’s hard to imagine just how they could ever want to leave the fame, glamor, and glitz that the acting world has to offer.

One actress made this radical change and since then, she’s gained national attention from fans.

Carly Schroeder is best known for her acting on the hit television series Lizzy McGuire. On this show, she played the rambunctious nuisance/friend to Lizzy’s little brother.

The 28-year-old chose to forego her luxurious lifestyle in front of the limelight and pursue a lifelong dream of defending her country in the Army!

She made a confession about her big life change on her Instagram account: “For 22 years I’ve played dress up for a living. As an actress, I’ve been kidnapped, gone blind, nearly eaten by lions and murdered on more than one occasion. I tormented Lizzy McGuire’s little brother on the Disney Channel, was a dolphin trainer, the first female soccer player on an all-boys team, and Harrison Ford once rescued me during an intense home invasion.”

She continued: “That’s exciting and all but in January, I decided to raise my right hand and swear into the United States Army. With a college degree from @callutheran in Criminal Justice, an ASVAB score of 92, and qualifying PFTs, I was accepted into Army #OCS (Officer Candidate School).”

She then went on to explain her reasoning for the drastic career change. “There are three BIG reasons (among many others) why I am taking a break from Hollywood to #goarmy: 1. College opened my eyes to global injustices. But on a more tangible micro level, there is human trafficking occurring here in the United States. I’ve written papers, spread awareness, and as an Army Officer, I intend to learn skills I can later apply when I’m on a team helping these victims.”

“2. Serving my country will give my voice more validity. I can better serve and advocate for veterans once I am part of their community. The military is a family, and families always have each other’s backs.”

“3. My brother is a Marine and my Papa was a Green Beret...There’s no way I’m going to let the boys have all the fun #hooah #actresstoarmy #startedondisneynowimhere”

Despite any wild criticism she could have received, she was surprisingly overwhelmed with love, support, and encouragement from thousands of fans. Her brave decision to do what she felt in her heart was her true calling has inspired both young and old to chase after their dreams even when it doesn’t seem like the “typical” choice.